Sheriff’s deputies shoot, kill boy, 13

The Associated Press

Published: October 23, 2013;Last modified: October 23, 2013 11:36PM

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Northern California sheriff’s deputies have shot and killed a 13-year-old boy after repeatedly telling him to drop what turned out to be a replica assault rifle, sheriff’s officials and family members said.

Two Sonoma County deputies on patrol saw the boy walking with what appeared to be a high-powered weapon Tuesday afternoon in Santa Rosa, sheriff’s Lt. Dennis O’Leary said.

The replica gun resembled an AK-47 with a black magazine cartridge and brown butt, according to a photograph released by the sheriff’s office. Deputies would only learn after the shooting that it wasn’t an actual firearm, according to O’Leary.

Rodrigo Lopez identified the boy as his son, Andy, to a newspaper and said the young teen was carrying a toy gun that belonged to a friend.

After spotting the boy, the deputies called for backup and repeatedly ordered him to drop the gun, O’Leary said in a news release. It wasn’t clear whether he pointed the replica assault rifle at the deputies or made any type of threatening gesture. The sheriff’s office referred calls to the Santa Rosa Police Department, which did not immediately return a call for comment.

O’Leary said the deputies fired several rounds from their handguns immediately after issuing the orders to drop the rifle.

“First, I heard a single siren and within seconds I heard seven shots go off, sounded like a nail gun, is what I thought it was,” he said.

The boy fell to the ground on top of the rifle, according to O’Leary. He said the deputies ordered him to move away before approaching him and putting him in handcuffs.

They began administering first aid and called for paramedics, who pronounced him dead at the scene. Deputies also found a plastic handgun in the boy’s waistband, O’Leary said. The deputies, who have not been identified, have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard after a shooting, O’Leary said.